MESSAGES of support and hope have flooded in for Sarah Shields after she went missing while holidaying on a Spanish island.

The 23-year-old went missing while visiting Gran Canaria with her boyfriend Christopher Chittock last week.

Her family and friends are now waiting to hear news of her after the body of a woman was discovered off the coast of the south of the island, near to the town of Puerto Rico, last Wednesday.

Police are waiting for formal identification to happen but Miss Shields’ friends are hoping and praying for her to be alive and well.

When the 23-year-old failed to return home on Sunday with her boyfriend, concerns grew for her safety. It is understood friends and family members have not spoken to her since she went away about two weeks ago.

Miss Shields appeared to have everything to look forward to. She had just moved into a new flat in Alnesbourn Crescent, in Ravenswood in Ipswich, with her boyfriend and earlier this year she started a new job, say friends.

It was her first holiday with Mr Chittock since they got together earlier this year.

Updating her page on Facebook, Miss Shields said: “There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved.”

On May 17: “Holiday booked, only 6 weeks away now. First hols with my man.”

Another update on June 28 said: “Now on the way to the airport.”

And while enjoying her break in Gran Canaria on June 30, Miss Shields updated her status. She said: “Been sunbathing by the pool all day with my sexy bloke today. In 2 days I’m so brown love it. Now off for cocktails.”

As Mr Chittock is held on the suspicion of Miss Shields’ murder, messages of support and outpourings of grief have flooded social networking sites. Friends have revealed their shock at the news the former Copleston High School student is missing feared dead.

And many have offered their words of support and comfort to her devastated family.

Leaving messages on Facebook, friend Kayleigh Warren said: “The sky has another bright star tonight. My thoughts are with the family and friends xxx.”

Another message from Laura Edwards said: “If it’s true, RIP :-( you will be missed by everyone. It’s shocking. My thoughts are with your family xx.”

Claire Harrison said: “Cannot believe the news just hope it’s not true xxxx.”

And Amelia Minns added: “My thoughts are with your family at this terrible time, RIP. xx.”

Another friend has urged Miss Shields to get in contact if she is safe and well.

Sarah Emily Old said: “Write on fb woman that you’re ok! X.” She added later: “My thoughts are with all your family mate. My prayers are with you if that’s true x.”

Miss Shields’ employers BOC, in Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich, said they could not comment at this time.